Lincoln Chafee on Foreign Policy

Former Republican Senator (RI, 1999-2007)

Opposes linking Human Rights to trade with China

The Senator noted that Rhode Island has much to gain from the opening of Chinese markets to American goods and services. Chafee also pointed out that trade with China is important to businesses of all sizes. Larger businesses will also benefit.

“Trade with China is the single most important measure Congress has faced this year,” Chafee said. “To date, China has largely been a closed market to American -- and Rhode Island -- factories, workers, and goods.

Source: Press Release, “Chinese markets”, May 24, 2000
Sep 19, 2000

Supports continuing Foreign Aid to Russia, Israel, & others

This year, Senator Chafee has been instrumental in securing funding for debt relief for some of the world’s most impoverished nations -- a key aim of the church-led Jubilee 2000 movement. Senator Chafee also played a critical role in securing funding
for the rebuilding of East Timor. Since last November, Senator Chafee has participated in fruitful discussions with foreign dignitaries and heads of state, such as Colombian President Andres Pastrana.

Source: Senate web site, “Debt relief”
Sep 19, 2000

Voted YES on enlarging NATO to include Eastern Europe.

H.R. 3167; Gerald B. H. Solomon Freedom Consolidation Act of 2001, To endorse the vision of further enlargement of the NATO Alliance. Vote to pass a bill that would support further expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, authorize military assistance to several eastern European countries and lift assistance restrictions on Slovakia.